How does a person research and decide on a safari company? I tried to recall my research and what lead us choose Africa Dream Safari for our trip. One of the main reasons for choosing ADS was the private tour concept and what the reviews shared about this. We were going as a family and wanted it to be us sharing and not ‘making friends’ or some dictating our trip with their limitations.

Second reason was talking with Dawn and setting up our vacation. Dawn was available by phone anytime we called and no question was left unanswered. Thought that may just be the sales gimmick but soon decided it was for real.

Well, we can’t say how wonderful ADS was for us and to us. Our African Dream Safari was simply wonderful. It started from the moment we landed at the airport in Kilimanjaro where we were met by the ADS representative. He walked us through the visa process and into the immigration line.

Now if you have not experienced this you may think that this is no big deal. Dawn always express this as a great benefit to us. As we stood there and watch the process, we cannot tell you what a benefit it was. You should choose ADS for this perk alone. The next thing we knew we were in the van and headed for our hotel.

The accommodations were just wonderful and our schedule was explained very clearly for the time in Arusha. Our hotel staff couldn’t have been more helpful and attentive. The next day we enjoyed a tour of Arusha and the following day flew to the Serengeti airstrip where we met our guide, Ally. We had an instant connection with Ally and that grew throughout our safari.

We had no preconceived notions about what our safari would be like but it was beyond our wildest dreams. We no sooner left the airstrip parking lot and we were greeted by wildebeest and giraffe. Ally was so in love with his country and the animals. He never tired of the 49th viewing of wildebeest. When you go on your safari you will appreciate this comment. There are about 2 million wildebeest in the Serengeti.

Our guide, Ally, was unbelievable in spotting animals long before we were able to see them. We had a carefree and comfortable relationship with Ally and knew right away we were going to have a wonderful time together. Not only did Ally know the names of all the animals we saw, he had a knowledge of them that was like we just Goggled them. Our animal knowledge gained from Ally only made us love our experience more and increased our love of the Serengeti.

Each day of the safari we kept seeing more and more amazing animals in such large numbers it was unbelievable. Each animal seemed to have its own personality which we never got tired of watching. We experienced the wildebeest crossing at the Mara River twice which was simply mind blowing. We aren’t sure how to compare our viewings with other companies, but not one minute of our time in the Serengeti was a disappointment.

Our accommodations were fantastic and the African people were so gracious and welcoming at each camp. We choose the Economy level safari (Livingston). We knew we would have tent camps. Frightening? Well our tent camps were fantastic. No roughing it here. Our tent camps were really an upgrade from what normally would be imagine. Full private bathrooms, great beds and furniture, patios all the amenities of a great hotel but out among the Serengeti landscape. It was so easy staying each night at our accommodations.

The food was very good. Our joke before going was ‘What wine is paired with wildebeest’. No wildebeest served. No wild animals are eaten in the Serengeti. We had great African wines and beers with wonderful tasty food. We had some great surprise campfire dinners which were very social and fun.

Our evening suppers gave us a chance to meet the workers and enjoy our guide on a social level. We were the center of attention. Our every need was anticipated and met. While that was not necessary or expected, we sure enjoyed our time with the Tanzanian people. We only hope we left them feeling appreciated, special and loved by us.

Truly a trip of a life time and we believe ADS was the main reason for this. They deliver what they advertise with great panache. You choosing ADS will be the best thing you can do.

Gene and Bertie L.
Marana, Arizona
Safari Dates: August 20, 2018 to August 29, 2018